As cluster computing grows, the need for enterprise class services and supported solutions is becoming paramount. Clustercorp leverages its extensive experience in deploying efficient clusters with the Rocks™ cluster distribution to take its customers from Zero-to-Cluster with a packaged service and support program we call “Cluster Kickstart”.
“Cluster Kickstart” includes onsite cluster deployment that starts with a freshly racked system and ends with a complete Rocks+ installation validated with a series of benchmarks (including a tuned HPL run). “Cluster Kickstart” includes the configuration of all applications, compilers and hardware supported by Rocks+. The package also includes up to 6 months of Rocks+Support, which ensures end-users start off on strong footing with a single 800 number and email address to contact for all support inquiries.
“Cluster Kickstart” is built around the Rocks+ cluster distribution, which adds two critical components necessary for deploying Rocks as a commercial solution:
Rocks+Support - Rocks+Support addresses the biggest problem in using an open source solution such as Rocks – “the support gap”. While community support for active open source projects like Rocks is a great start, a complex cluster deployment practically requires the formal backing of an experienced support team. Clustercorp was founded by the core members of the Rocks community for this exact purpose. “Cluster Kickstart” includes an introductory Rocks+Support contract, which can be extended to 1, 2, or 3 years.
Rocks+Rolls - The second obstacle to a successful cluster deployment commonly pops up shortly after cluster delivery, when system administrators begin the burdensome process of application installation and configuration across their new cluster. Clustercorp leverages Rocks Rolls to automate the installation of software across a cluster, which prevents long-term “software skew” and reduces total cost of ownership.